Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-28
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The line graph provided illustrates the information about the number of people residing in cities of four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, and forecast for the years 2030 and 2040. A key trend of rise in the population is observed across all countries.
Between 1970 to 2020, Malaysian population increased dramatically from 30% to 70%, followed by Indonesia, that rose from around 15% to 50%. Similarly, in Thailand, the percentage grew to approximately 50% in 2020. However, in the case of Philippines, after a substantal rise in 1990, from 31% to 50%, the percentage dropped to around 45% in 2020.
According to the predictions made for 2030 and 2040, every country is expected to witness increase in it's numbers significantly. Malaysia would grow to 80% in 2030, and steadily through 2040. Then, Indonesian population would plummet from 50% to around 60%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to cover the main trends in the line graph, providing an overview and specific data points for the four countries. However, there are several factual inaccuracies when compared to the visual data. For instance, the student states that the Malaysian population increased from 30% to 70% by 2020 (the actual figure is 76%), and claims that Indonesia plummeted to around 60%, which contradicts the definition of plummeting and misreads the upward trend shown in the graph. Furthermore, the length requirement of 150 words was not met, as the response contains only 142 words, leading to a minor penalty under Task Achievement. Because of the inaccuracies and the under-length penalty, this warrants a band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay is divided into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding discussion on predictions, giving it a recognisable structure. However, the logical progression is occasionally hindered by abrupt transitions and confusing phrasing, such as 'Then, Indonesian population would plummet from 50% to around 60%', where 'plummet' is misused for a rise. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas lacks smooth connectivity. Cohesive devices are used in a basic manner (e.g., 'Between 1970 to 2020', 'Similarly', 'However'), but referencing is sometimes unclear, matching the descriptors for band 5.5.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for discussing statistical data, such as 'illustrates', 'residing', 'dramatically', and 'predictions'. However, there are noticeable word choice errors and misuse of lexical items, such as 'subştanal' (misspelled 'substanţal') and using 'plummet' to describe an increase from 50% to 60%. Vocabulary is sometimes repetitive or imprecise ('number of people' instead of 'percentage'). These limitations place the lexical performance firmly at band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The line graph provided illustrates the information...' and 'Between 1970 to 2020, Malaysian population increased...'. However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including missing articles ('in case of Philippines', 'Indonesian population'), preposition errors ('Between 1970 to 2020' instead of 'Between 1970 and 2020'), and a possessive error ('increase in it's numbers'). These errors occasionally cause difficulty or hesitation for the reader, aligning with a band 5.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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